Postdoctoral Researcher in Radio-frequency Circuit Design / Postdoctoral Researcheress in Radio-frequency Circuit Design

Postdoctoral Researcher in Radio-Frequency Circuit Design

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Optical Nanomaterial Group in the Physics Department at ETH Zurich is looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher.

Project Background

Quantum technologies promise to revolutionize multiple branches of science by addressing problems that classical systems cannot solve. While efficient and large-scale quantum computers are still a future prospect, quantum communication technologies are already available on the market. Utilizing quantum states for ultra-secure information sharing offers a proven method for achieving genuine communication privacy. However, unconditional security necessitates the use of entanglement to establish non-classical correlations between communicating nodes, paving the way for robust quantum networks and a future quantum internet. Although commercial solutions typically bypass entanglement-based methods due to technical challenges, this limitation constrains the potential impact of these technologies.

In this project, we aim to further develop photonic integrated circuits for quantum communication, which our group has already demonstrated, to overcome performance limitations and to realize integrated quantum transmitters and receivers of time-bin entangled photonic qubits. The lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) platform presents a distinct advantage due to its high second-order nonlinearity, facilitating efficient entangled qubit generation and high-speed signal modulation.

The project's objective is to develop quantum communication units on the LNOI platform, including qubit generation, transmission, measurement, and drivers, as the first prototype of entanglement-based high-speed photonic integrated circuits for quantum communication and networking. This involves designing high-speed electronics to drive the circuits, as well as reading and processing data. The advertised position will focus on the design and testing of custom radio-frequency electronic circuits based on field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs, up to 20GHz) to drive high-speed electro-optic modulators, facilitate quasi-static thermo-optic qubit phase tuning, and process transmitted quantum information in real time.

Job Description

We seek a postdoctoral researcher or a scientific assistant with proven experience in FPGA programming and high-speed electronics circuit design and testing. Familiarity with quantum information processing and quantum communication algorithms, as well as fiber optics instrumentation, is considered a strong advantage.

Profile

The successful candidate should be highly motivated and creative, possessing a PhD in physics, quantum engineering, electrical engineering, photonics, or related fields. Alternatively, a Master's degree coupled with over three years of hands-on experience will also be accepted. The candidate must thrive in an interdisciplinary environment at the intersection of quantum information science and integrated photonics and should be driven by applied research with a focus on transforming ideas into commercially viable products.

Workplace

ETH Zurich provides a dynamic work environment that supports both professional and personal growth.

We Offer

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development but also actively contributes to positive change in society.
• We are committed to creating a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all our staff and students. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For further information, please contact Dr. Robert Chapman at rchapman@phys.ethz.ch or Giovanni Finco at gfinco@phys.ethz.ch. More details about our group can be found here: Optical Nanomaterial Group.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and our commitment to transferring new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries consider our university a place that fosters independent thought and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe yet connected globally, we work collaboratively to develop solutions for the challenges faced today and in the future.